RAOC Gazette - page 137
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1980 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1980 |
| Late date | 1980 |
| Transcription |
THE CHAMPIONS A TRIBUTE AT THE START OF THE NEW SEASON TO THE UNIT SIDE FROM BRACHT THAT WON THE ARMY RUGBY CHALLENGE CUP BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL B. F. WILLIAMSON SINCE the end of National Service in the very early 1960's, the Army Cup for Rugby has been totally dominated by (he big three, DWR, RRW and WG. It is therefore an outstanding achievement, in any respect, for a Corps Unit to reach the final stages, let alone emerge as winners of the coveted trophy against all the odds. It is against this background that the Corps should be aware of the total dedication, lime, effort and discipline shown by those fortunate enough to be members of the Bracht 1st team squad, which achieved such a magnificent victory. It is as well to remember that the demands of modern rugby require total commitment to all aspects of the game and any successful side can only be built up over a considerable period of time. Those who have been involved in Corps rugby in the last decade, will know that Bracht's success started at the beginning of the 70's, under the direction of Colonel Bagulcy, Brigadier Crawley and such notable Corps players as Digger Denholm, Happy Nanovo, Gareth Davies and Desmond Town- send, culminating with their becoming runners up in the Army final in 1975. This successful period was continued in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, with the regular winning of the inter- Corps Ellis Cup competition, the Double Diamond League competitions and being constantly in the quarter and semi-final stages of the Army Cup. Under the direction of Colonel Bill Musson and latterly Colonel Peter Dodsworth and with some sympathetic consideration by RAOC Manning and Records, the nucleus of a good side was maintained. In July 1979 training for the new season commenced and from then until the winning of the cup, each individual in the squad of twenty three, dedicated himself to achieving the objective. In addition to playing every Wednesday and Saturday and often Sunday, everyone appeared every morning at 7.15, five days a week for fitness training, every afternoon after work for tactical training and of course, at crucial stages of the competition, additional training from 3.30 pm onwards. The co-operation of all departments in the Depot was apprecia- ted, but above all, the patience and support of the wives of those players who gave up so much of their spare time was absolutely vital. I must pay tribute to SI Lynch and SI Shaw for their considerable effort, and without saying,. 'Digger' Denholm the Skipper, for his enthusiasm, drive and example throughout that season. It is asking, a tremendous amount of the modern soldier to give up so much time and it is vital for the Army to reciprocate at the crucial periods, if sport is to continue as a prime factor in our life and in our recruiting. The 1st team squad of twenty three, loyally backed up by WOs2 Keith Humphries and Taffy Horner running the Bracht 2nd XV; by the backroom boys of Treasurer Sergeant Rab Latta, jack of all trades Corporal Bob Graham, and the excel- lent touch line support of all the Unit and their wives and families, produced superb early season results, and won the BAOR semi-final in December 1979. To prepare for the BAOR final a tour of South Wales took place in January 1980, in which many valuable lessons were learned and indeed absorbed, particularly in the all round play of a Swansea XV. The BAOR Final in February 1980 was an absorbing con- test, which ended in a splendid win, not however without cost in injuries to prop Sergeant Brian Zycinski, No. 8 Corporal Taffy Pascoe and Wing threequarter Lance Corporal Leeroy Ramsey, all three of whom subsequently missed the Army Final in April — demonstrating once more the absolute necessity of having a full squad to cover such eventualities. The report of the Army Final appeared in the June issue of THE GAZETTE, but .an appreciation of the individual players, should, I feel be recorded, hopefully to maintain the momentum of rugby in the Army Rugby Champions 1979/80. Corps, and to inspire individuals to take up the game—after all, some of the team had hardly played the game before arriving at Bracht! , Corporal ' Robbo ' Robertson: Full back/Wing. Unit, Corps, BAOR player. Dedicated, sound positional sense, good goal kicker. All round sportsman, tremendous asset as last line of defence. Played in the Final. Lance Corporal Tom Wright: Full back. Unit and Corps. Perpetual reserve but always trained hard and pressed for his place. Would be No. 1 choice in most Unit sides. Did not play in the Final. Lance Corporal Dave Mansfield: Wing. Unit, Corps, BAOR Player. A fit, very fast and strong winger, equally good in defence and attack. Active social member of club. Played in the Final. Posted to Bicester July 1980. Lance Corporal Taffy Evans: Centre. Third Season of Rugby—convert from football. Small, slight, but willing to learn, always giving of his best. Tremendous asset. for the future. Unit and Corps player. Played in the Final. Sergeant Malcolm Shaw: Centre: APTC Instructor—Fit, very quick, strong tackier. UK Army Squad 1979. Enthusiastic, typical Welsh attitude to the game, an immense asset to the Unit, played in the Final. Lance Corporal Lee Ramsey: Wing. Unit and Corps player. Very fast with a natural swerve. Third season of rugby, learning well. Fractured skull in BAOR final, missed Army Final. Has a tremendous future if he continues playing. Lance Corporal Ian Crawford: Wing. Unit and Corps player. The find of the season, convert from football (Corps player). Natural ability with feet and hands, strong running and learning quickly. Posted to Blackdown October 1980. Played in the Final. WO\ 'Digger' Denholm: Stand-off. Unit, Corps, BAOR, Army player. Skipper of the team. A natural leader on the field, vastly experienced, sound kicker and tactician. Led by example, very fit, a credit to the Corps in all respects. Played in the Final, posted to Bicester August 1980. 106 — |
| Book number | R0404 |